For the first time in more than two decades, the Cougars boys soccer team of Cherry Hill High School East will have a new voice in their ear for the upcoming season.
Dennis Stein will replace the legendary Karl Moehlmaan, who retired after 24 years on the job. Moehlmann finished with a record of 270–139–36 and coached the Cougars to a pair of state titles.
His most successful years came in the 1990s, when he helped East win seven Olympic Conference titles.
Though they only worked together for a short time, Stein said Moehlmann was a great help to him personally and professionally.
“He’s been really helpful in the transition. He’s helped me a great deal in learning the program and the traditions here. I told him that I was going to put him on speed dial,” Stein said.
East went 12–8–4 last season, reaching the semifinals of the South Jersey Group IV tournament. This year’s roster will look drastically different compared to a season ago, as the Cougars graduated 16 seniors, 10 of whom were starters.
“We have a young team, there’s no doubt. That does impact expectations, but these guys are aware that they’re a young team so they know they have to put the work in.
“We definitely have some guys who can play. I’ve been telling them that how quickly they can grow up and learn from their experience will make the difference. The sooner we can come together the more successful we will be,” Stein said.
Stein, originally from the Barnegat area, coached at both the high school and junior college level while teaching in California. He returned to the area with his family as he and his wife wanted to raise their family here.
Having the opportunity to become a head coach was an unforeseen bonus.
“Last season, I looked into working out and practicing with the team and Karl was great about it. Then I heard he was retiring, threw my hat in the ring and here I am,” Stein said. “I know they interviewed a lot of great candidates so I’m fortunate to have the job. I’m excited to get started.”
Stein said being new to the area and learning the program on the fly kept him in the dark about the scope of Moehlmann’s status as local legend.
“I may have been a little naïve, honestly, but I think I probably benefitted from not totally knowing the amount of Karl’s success and his legacy.
“I was unaware of how big the shoes were that I was going to be filling,” Stein said.
To help with that transition, Stein said he will lean heavily on his one returning starter, Jake Russ.
“I’ve had conversations with Jake telling him that I need him this season.
“Telling him I’ll need his help to get the guys on the team to buy in because the quicker that happens, the quicker we can compete and get to where we want to be as a team,” Stein said.
Camp officially began for the Cougars Aug. 19.
With the start of the regular season looming less than four weeks away, Stein is ready to get to work.
“I’ve told these guys that as much of a learning process as it’s going to be for them, it will be for me as well so I’m ready to get that process started and get on our way,” Stein said.
